$53,353Average Value$40Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
New homes and schools are helping revitalize Merill
Merill is a residential neighborhood in northwestern Flint. Anchored by a central greenspace at Sarvis Park and surrounded by numerous other parks, the neighborhood has grappled with the effects of deindustrialization. But things are gradually reversing course. The community's efforts to revitalize have been noticeable in its recently remodeled homes and brand-new schools.
Many of the overhang homes in Merill have been recently updated to modern standards.
Local kids love the colorful playground at Sarvis Park.
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Low-cost homes for owner occupants and investors
Over the last few years, investors have set their sights on Merill's low price points for homes. The neighborhood sees a median single-family home price of $25,000, mostly driven by investment properties. Some are sold as "HUD homes," meaning their buyers – typically owner occupants – purchase the property from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But most of these properties need some TLC, whether it be for light cosmetic work or intensive structural repairs. Remodeling projects have led to an increased supply of move-in ready single-family homes, mostly Craftsman cottages and second story overhangs. Buyers looking for a move-in ready home typically pay between $60,000 and $95,000. Most investors pay between $15,000 and $40,000 for a property in need of repairs.
Many homes in south Merill were developed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Smaller cottages in Merill can sell for as low as $15,000.
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Quiet fishing holes and playgrounds
Residents can walk or drive to several parks in and around the neighborhood. Sarvis Park is the neighborhood's central green space, offering a large open field with soccer nets, basketball courts for pickup games and a playground for after school meetups. McClellan Park's playground is slightly larger than Sarvis Park's, but it's also not as protected by trees from the sounds of passing cars on Pasadena Avenue. Flink Park Lake, a popular fishing hole, is perhaps the quietest park nearby to explore.
Many of the local residents cut through McCLellan Park to access back streets.
Flint Park Lake features a pavilion where you can hang out.
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Two brand-new STEM academies
Public schools in Flint use a school choice system, meaning students can apply to attend any school in the city. Most students in Meril begin at Brownell STEM Academy, rated D by Niche, then age up to Holmes STEM Middle School Academy, currently unrated. Both schools share the same campus and are some of the newest in the district, with leaders cutting the ribbon on numerous upgrades in late 2024, including new playgrounds, athletic fixtures and early childhood classrooms. By seventh grade, most students begin attending the Northwestern Preparatory Academy, rated D-minus. Southwestern Classical Academy, rated C, is where most students finish their last four years of school. Although some parents send their children to charter schools found throughout the area, such as FLEX High School, rated C-minus.
Brownell STEM Academy features a large play area behind the school for student recess.
Holmes STEM Academy offers studies for junior high students in Flint.
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Walkable and transit-friendly
Getting around the neighborhood isn't too hard without a car. Most residential streets have sidewalks, and all major roads surrounding the neighborhood have bus routes providing connections across the city. Traffic is also not much of an issue, although midday and rush hour slowdowns can occur at major intersections.
Easy trips to Clio Road restaurants and shopping centers
Clio Road serves as the neighborhood’s main commercial strip. Residents usually head that way to visit Hallwood Plaza to do some shopping, pick up a prescription or grab a bite to eat. Hallwood Plaza’s storefronts include an assortment of clothing stores and eateries like Moni’s Hibachi, a popular takeout option. Closer to the neighborhood, Clio Road’s dining options include an assortment of chains, some regional to Michigan, like Big John Steak & Onion. For groceries, most residents shop from Mr. B’s Supermarket on Stewart Avenue.
Merill shoppers looking for retail options can head northeast to Hallwood Plaza.
Big John Steak & Onion is a popular lunch stop in Merill for mouthwatering subs.
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Pipe replacements nearing completion, plus skewed crime data
In 2009, Merill had the most aggravated assaults of any neighborhood in the city. According to FBI data, the rate of aggravated assaults citywide has declined since 2012. While interventions by police and community associations have helped reduce crime, it is still somewhat of an issue in Merill. The neighborhood has a CAP Index score of 4, which is on par with the national average. However, lower rates of property crime are offset by high rates of violent crime, skewing the data somewhat. In 2014, Flint residents saw dangerous levels of lead enter their tap water due to improper water treatment measures. By 2016, city water met federal safety requirements, and construction crews began to replace outdated pipes. As of February of 2025, the push to replace all contaminated pipes in the city is nearing completion with assistance from the state government. However, the Environmental Protection Agency still recommends residents use a water filter in the interim.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Sarvis Park
McClellan Park
Transit
Airport
Bishop International
28 min drive
Bus
Fleming & Myrtle
Bus
Pasadena & Leerda
Bus
Fleming & Sonny
Bus
Fleming & Pasadena
Bus
Pasadena & Wisner
Bus
Fleming & Stewart
Bus
Pasadena & Kellar
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Merill
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Merill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Merill, Flint sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Merill, Flint over the last 12 months is $25,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bright and welcoming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home featuring beautiful natural hardwood floors and freshly painted white interiors. Abundant natural light flows throughout the space, creating a warm and airy atmosphere. Includes a full basement offering additional storage or potential living space. Don’t miss this charming and move-in ready home!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,325
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,589
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,805
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73%
College Graduates
16.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
44.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
54/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
